Thrush is usually caused by a yeast fungus called candida albicans. This yeast usually lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut, and vagina. Occasionally, however, signs and symptoms can develop. This is commonly known as thrush, thrush infection or candida.

If you think you may have thrush, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Thrush isn’t a sexually transmitted infection but it’s important you don’t delay getting advice if you may have been at risk of a sexually transmitted infection.

What does a test for thrush involve?

It’s not always necessary to have a test for thrush. If you do have a test, a doctor or nurse may:

look at the genital area, the vagina or the penis

use a swab to collect a sample from the vagina

use a swab to collect a sample from the penis and genital area, including under the foreskin.

A swab looks like a cotton bud, but is smaller, soft and rounded. The swab is wiped over the parts of the body that could be affected and easily picks up samples. It only takes a few seconds and isn’t usually painful, though it may be uncomfortable for a moment.

Sometimes it’s possible for you to get the test result straight away. Otherwise you’ll have to wait up to two weeks to get your result.

Sometimes thrush signs will be noticed during a cervical screening test (smear test), but you’ll only need treatment if you have problems with discharge or itching. Routine blood tests don’t detect thrush.

It’s also possible to buy a test for thrush to do at home. The accuracy of these tests varies. If you buy a testing kit make sure you get advice from a pharmacist or your doctor.

How accurate are the tests?

The accuracy of a thrush test depends on the test and the type of sample that’s collected. Microscopy tests (where a sample is looked at with a microscope) for thrush that occurs in the vagina or around the vulva are usually accurate. They’re less accurate for thrush that occurs in or around a penis, so diagnosis is often made by looking at the genital area.

Where can I get a test?

You can have a test as soon as you have signs and symptoms.

There are a number of services you can go to. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with.

Treatment is simple and only necessary if you have signs and symptoms of thrush.

You may be given antifungal cream to apply to the genital area, vaginal pessaries (tablets that you put into your vagina), pills or a combination. The doctor or nurse will tell you how to use the treatment.

You can buy some antifungal treatments from a pharmacy – these are useful if you’re sure you have thrush and want to treat it yourself. The pharmacist will answer any questions and explain how to use the treatment.

It’s very important to take the treatment as instructed and finish any course of treatment even if the symptoms go away earlier.

Some antifungal products can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps. Polyurethane (soft plastic) types can be safely used. Ask the doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice.

Tell the doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you’re pregnant, might be pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding. This may affect the type of treatment you’re given.

How effective is the treatment?

Antifungal cream, pessaries or pills are usually effective if you use them according to instructions. Symptoms should disappear within a few days.

If the first treatment doesn’t work, the doctor or nurse may suggest another test or a combination of treatments.

Do I need to have a test to check the thrush has gone?

No, this isn’t usually necessary. You may wish to go back to the doctor or nurse if:

make sure your vagina is well lubricated before and during sexual intercourse

wash and wipe your genital area from front to back

avoid using soap and deodorants near the genital area, genital sprays, bubble bath, and any other irritants such as disinfectants and antiseptics.

If you’re prescribed an antibiotic for another condition, remind your doctor that you tend to get thrush and ask for some treatment for thrush at the same time.

I get thrush regularly, is there anything that can help?

Some people may only get thrush once. Others may get it multiple times. Getting thrush four or more times in a year is called recurrent thrush. If this happens, get medical advice and don’t treat it yourself. If you get recurrent thrush the doctor or nurse:

will want to check that other conditions, such as diabetes, aren’t the cause of the thrush

may suggest you take antifungal treatment on a regular basis

may check the thrush isn’t being caused by a different kind of yeast

may suggest you stop using soap and use an emollient (soap substitute) instead

will help you to identify any thrush triggers.

If I have thrush, will it affect my chances of getting pregnant?

No. Thrush won’t affect your chances of getting pregnant.

What happens if I get thrush when I’m pregnant?

Pregnancy can increase your chance of thrush developing. Thrush isn’t harmful to you or the baby. It can be safely treated using pessaries or creams. You shouldn’t take pills for thrush if you’re pregnant.

Resource(s)

This website can only give you general information about sexually transmitted infections. The information is based on evidence-based guidance produced by The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH).

Remember – contact your doctor, practice nurse or a clinic if you are worried or unsure about anything.